Attempting Altered Art Know Hows

       
 I have read and looked, and looked and read about Altered Art. As a fellow artist I am so attracted to it! I love the fact that there are no two the same and each one is a work of Art. Many incorporate paintings, pictures, textiles, fibers, and embellishments of all kinds, no wonder they are so unique! 


        Today I have decided to take the plunge, although I spent countless hours last weekend cutting pictures from old magazines. I love pictures of anything old, artistic or unique. I love pics of flowers and statues, vases, music interests, and antiques. I also like to cut out quotes or just words, or even letters to use in my art work. 


       Some supplies that you might want to have on hand are an old book, preferably one that is not worth anything, picture cut outs, fibers, lace or fabric, old buttons, jewelry embellishments, Modge Podge, and a strong glue, or possibly some rubber stamps. You really can use anything that can be attached with glue.

• First, start out by choosing a theme you will like. 
• Next, Layout your pieces right on your book cover to see what might work best. Move them around several times to see what it appealing to the eye.
• Then, coat both sides of your picture cut out with Modge Podge. You can brush this on with a medium flat brush. Make sure both sides are coated. Modge Podge should only take a couple minutes to dry on each side. 
• Coat back of pictures one at a time with another coat of Modge Podge and place the picture on the book and push down with the brush. Coat the top with Modge Podge. 
• Choose some buttons or fibers to embellish. Use a good glue to glue these down. 
• Last, you can spray with a matte finish poly spray, or leave as is!

Here are some pictures from my first attempt!

If you do not feel like attempting an entire book just try some paper tags or a little tin box! Be creative and have fun! And if you do not want to spend a day cutting out magazines visit my side bar and click on Graphics Fairy. This will take you to a website where you can print free graphics to use on your projects. 

Blessings,  Floweringshrub

January Bliss to January Blessed

     The holidays have settled and the after Christmas lull has set in. The hype of the holidays from Thanksgiving to New Years always creates excitement in our home, as it is non-stop! After New Years we pack up all the holiday decorations and take a breath......sigh.......relief....it is over for another year.

     For us shop owners it is not over. The year is just beginning! The is the time we need, the season to re-evaluate our shop, our goals for this year. A chance to restock supplies and create new things. What are your new goals for this year? Maybe it is to create a buzz in your shop, change your banner, create different items than before. Maybe it is to create a new marketing goal and turn your hobby into a part-time or full time job. What ever it may be, use turn January from Bliss to Blessed! What you do this could will more than likely set the pace for the entire year! So I encourage each one of you to set some goals for your shop and commit to them and see what blessings January will bring!